Shimla

About Shimla

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and the former summer capital of British India. Situated at 2,200m, Shimla retains its old-world charm with beautiful colonial architecture, the pedestrian-friendly Mall RoadMall Road, and the Ridge lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Kalka-Shimla toy train route is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the train climbs from the plains to over 2,000m offering breathtaking mountain views. Shimla is well connected, just 4 hours from Chandigarh, with an airport (though limited daily flights). The weather is pleasant most months, with tourists flocking during summer. Winters are cold with snow from mid-December till February end. Shimla is often combined with nearby Kufri — a hill station almost always covered by snow — and Chail, famous for its palace and the highest cricket ground in the world. The famous Jakhu TempleJakhu Temple on the hill above the Ridge and various colonial-era viewpoints round out the sightseeing. Christ ChurchChrist Church on the Ridge, the Gaiety Theatre, and the Viceregal Lodge evoke the grandeur of the British Raj.